External Projects The following are initiatives we tender for and deliver on behalf of others e.g. Local authorities, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
Apprenticeship Community Challenge - Ayrshire With a year unlike any other the Chamber was faced with changes to annual events which would otherwise bring the Ayrshire business world and young people together, showcasing the many talents our future workforces excel in on a day-to-day basis. Our hugely successful Ayrshire Apprenticeship Community Challenge was one such event where the decision to postpone in 2020 was taken. Since its inception the Chamber has championed the event to highlight the skills and creativity of young apprentices throughout the Ayrshire region and will look to do so again in its original format post-Covid. To allow for continued learning and engagement with Ayrshire based employers and their apprentices the Chamber are planning to offer virtual training utilising sponsorship funding from SDS. This will take place late summer 2021 and will complement the development of young workforces, no matter their role or industry sector. The new concept for 2021, Ayrshire Chamber Apprenticeship Academy, will cover a range of subjects brought about by the key requirements employers feel their young staff need as part of their progression and understanding of the workplace.
Employer Engagement in Education The Chamber continues to manage Employer Engagement and the schools Work Experience programme on behalf of the three Local Authorities. In academic session 2020-21 the challenges brought about by the global pandemic were responded to with a positive and determined focus to continue offering opportunities to Ayrshire schools. Like many the Chamber adapted to new technology and upskilled its staff in delivering their role virtually as did schools who embraced the transition to online learning. 27 new employers came forward to offer online support during this time which the team were able to add to our existing partnerships including construction, finance and IT sectors. This allowed pupils across Ayrshire in town and rural settings to gain direct access to 107 sessions across 79 employer opportunities to participate and learn. In addition, both new and existing employers were able to offer live and pre-recorded content that schools and pupils could utilise to ensure career information, knowledge and involvement did not diminish. With Covid 19 disrupting school life for young people the Chamber consistently produced innovative ways that would continue to bridge the business world and education. Making use of new and existing technology through Microsoft Teams, as well as a collective drive by all involved with schools, ensured that access to career information, sector knowledge and employment insight was readily available to pupils and staff. The Chamber worked closely with employers to engage with the schools, facilitating 85 organisations actively involved through virtual content. In turn the engagement by the Chamber team brought about 358 business links that had an estimated 5300 pupil interactions, meeting their aspirations despite uncertain times. The Chamber wishes to express it sincere gratitude and thanks to all employers and businesses across Ayrshire who have supported our work with schools during the last twelve months. Thanks also to our school team of Emma McClymont, Steven McBlain, Natalie Robertson & Christina MacDonald for their hard work and commitment. 14
